Premium Bluefin Tuna Charter in Hampton, NH

Published Date: September 7, 2025
Fishing

New Hampshire
$3 - $1,600 price range

Summary

Set sail from Hampton, NH on a 6-hour private fishing adventure that combines the best of inshore and offshore action. Captain JD Foote knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on the fish, whether you're chasing bluefin tuna or other local species. The trip is perfect for groups up to five, from total beginners to seasoned anglers. Everything you need is provided – rods, bait, and even fishing licenses. You'll get hands-on experience and plenty of one-on-one guidance to improve your skills. When conditions are right, we'll head offshore for a shot at those hard-fighting bluefin. But even if we stay closer to shore, there's always something biting. It's a great way to spend a day on the water with family or friends, learning new techniques and enjoying some quality fishing time. By the end of the trip, you'll have stories to tell and hopefully some impressive catches to show for it.

Premium Bluefin Tuna Charter in Hampton, NH

Hooked and Hauled

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Sometimes a tuna bait isn’t a tuna bait

Big Striped Bass reeled in during an epic Deep Sea adventure!

Big 36-inch Striped Bass reeled in off Hampton NH!

Reel in Bluefin & More off Hampton's Coast

Hey there, anglers! Ready for a serious fishing adventure right here in Hampton, NH? We're talking about a 6-hour private charter that'll take you from the inshore honey holes to the offshore tuna grounds (when the conditions are right). Whether you're a total newbie or a seasoned pro, this trip's got something for everyone. Captain JD Foote knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's itching to put you on some fish. With room for up to five of your buddies, it's the perfect setup for a day of non-stop action. Best part? We've got all the gear you need, so just bring your A-game and let's hit the water!

What's the Deal on Deck?

Alright, let's break it down. You're in for a solid 6 hours of fishing, and we mean real fishing, not just bobbing around. We'll start by hitting some inshore spots where the stripers and blues like to hang out. If the weather's playing nice, we'll make a run offshore to where the big boys swim – we're talking bluefin tuna territory. The boat's dialed in with all the latest tech and tackle, so you've got everything you need to land a monster. Captain JD's got eyes like a hawk and he'll be right there, coaching you through every cast and hookup. It's hands-on all the way, folks. Whether you're looking to learn the ropes or fine-tune your technique, this trip's got you covered.

Tactics and Tides

Listen up, 'cause here's where it gets good. Inshore, we might be throwing soft plastics for stripers around the jetties or live-lining mackerel. When we push offshore for tuna, it's a whole different ballgame. We're talking heavy tackle, chunking, or maybe even some run-and-gun action on breaking fish if we're lucky. The Captain's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, like knowing just where to find the bait schools or reading the water temperature breaks where the big fish like to feed. We've got everything from light spinning gear for the inshore stuff to the big guns for when a bluefin decides to crash the party. And don't sweat it if you're new to this – we'll walk you through every step, from setting the drag to fighting a fish like a pro.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Alright, let's talk about what's swimming out there. First up, the star of the show: Bluefin Tuna. These beasts can top 1,000 pounds, though most of what we'll see are in the 100-300 pound range. They're like freight trains with fins, and hooking one is an experience you'll never forget. Best time to target them? Late summer into fall, when they're chasing the bait balls close to shore. The fight of your life, guaranteed.

Next, we've got Striped Bass. These are the bread and butter of New England inshore fishing. They love to hang around structure, and they'll hit everything from live bait to topwater plugs. You can catch them from spring through fall, but the really big ones – we're talking 40+ pounders – usually show up in June and July. Nothing beats the thrill of a big striper blowing up on a surface lure at dawn.

Bluefish are the pit bulls of the sea. All teeth and attitude, these guys will chase down just about any lure you throw. They're around from late spring to early fall, and when they're in a feeding frenzy, it's non-stop action. Great for kids or anyone who wants constant excitement.

Winter Flounder might not be the glamour fish, but don't sell 'em short. These flatfish are excellent eating and can provide steady action when other species are playing hard to get. We usually target them in spring and fall, using light tackle and small baits. It's a great change of pace and perfect for filling the cooler.

Last but not least, King Mackerel. These speedsters aren't as common up here, but when they show up, hold onto your rod! They're lightning fast and will smoke a reel in seconds. Late summer is your best bet for these guys, and they're a blast on light tackle. Plus, they make for some mean fish tacos.

Time to Lock in Your Trip

Look, I could go on all day about the fishing, but here's the bottom line: this trip is the real deal. You're getting a full day on the water with a captain who lives and breathes fishing. From the inshore action to the chance at a trophy bluefin, it's all here. We're talking about memories that'll last a lifetime and maybe even some fish stories your buddies won't believe (until you show 'em the pictures). So what are you waiting for? Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season. Give us a shout, and let's get you out on the water. Trust me, the only thing you'll regret is not booking sooner. See you at the dock!

Learn more about the species

Bluefin Tuna

Bluefin tuna are the giants of the tuna world, reaching up to 1,000 pounds. These powerful swimmers are prized for their rich, fatty meat. We typically find them offshore in depths of 100-300 feet, often near temperature breaks or underwater structures. Summer and early fall are prime bluefin seasons here, when they're chasing bait schools. Anglers love bluefin for the incredible fight they put up - it's like hooking a submarine. They're also considered the best-eating tuna out there. When targeting bluefin, we'll often troll with large lures or live bait like mackerel. A local tip: watch for working birds to locate feeding tuna. Once you find them, get ready for an arm-wrenching battle that could last hours. It's an experience you won't forget.

Bluefish

Bluefish are aggressive predators, usually 2-3 feet long and weighing 5-15 pounds. You'll find them in coastal waters, often near the surface in large schools. They're most active here from late spring through fall, following bait fish migrations. Anglers love bluefish for their hard-fighting nature and the exciting topwater strikes they provide. They're not the best eating fish, but they're fun to catch. When targeting blues, look for diving birds or bait fish jumping out of the water - that's often a sign of feeding bluefish. Use sturdy tackle, as their sharp teeth can cut through light line. A local tip: try using metal lures or live bait like bunker. Cast into the feeding frenzy and hang on - bluefish hit hard and fast, making for an action-packed day on the water.

King Mackerel

King mackerel, or kingfish, are sleek, fast-swimming predators typically weighing 10-30 pounds, though some can top 50. You'll find them in offshore waters, usually 20-150 feet deep near reefs, wrecks, or bait schools. Summer and early fall are prime seasons here as they follow warm water and bait migrations. Anglers love kings for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. They're also good eating, though not as prized as some other offshore species. When targeting kings, trolling with live bait like blue runners or dead bait like ribbon fish is effective. A local trick: use a stinger rig with two hooks, as kings often strike the back half of the bait. Watch your sonar for bait balls, and be ready for lightning-fast strikes when a king decides to eat.

Striped Bass

Striped bass, or stripers, are a favorite target around here. These powerful fish typically range from 10 to 40 pounds, with some monsters pushing 50+. You'll find them in coastal waters, estuaries, and even up into rivers. Spring and fall are prime striper seasons as they migrate along the coast. Anglers love stripers for their hard fights and excellent table fare. Look for them around structure like jetties, rocky shorelines, or drop-offs. They often feed in the surf zone, especially at dawn and dusk. Live bait like eels or mackerel works well, but artificials like swimming plugs can be deadly too. Here's a local tip: on calm nights, try topwater lures near breachways or river mouths. The explosive strikes will get your heart racing.

Winter Flounder

Winter flounder are bottom-dwelling flatfish, typically 1-2 feet long and weighing 1-3 pounds. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries, often hanging out near sandy or muddy bottoms. Spring is the best time to target them as they move inshore to spawn. Anglers like winter flounder for their mild, sweet-tasting white meat. They're not the strongest fighters, but they can be challenging to hook. These fish have small mouths, so use small hooks and baits like sea worms or clams. A good trick is to fish near pier pilings or other structures where they like to hide. Keep your bait close to the bottom and be patient - their bites are subtle. When you feel a light tap, give it a moment before setting the hook.

About the Central New Hampshire Guides

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Ready for an awesome day of fishing off the New Hampshire coast? Captain JD Foote's got you covered with this 6-hour private charter out of Hampton. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, you'll have a blast targeting bluefin tuna and other local fish. The boat's fully stocked with all the gear you need, so just bring yourself and up to four friends or family members. When conditions are right, you might even venture offshore for some deep-sea action. Don't worry about licenses or equipment - it's all taken care of. Captain JD knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you right on the fish. With hands-on guidance and plenty of local knowledge, you're in for a great day on the water. So grab your sunscreen and get ready to reel in some memories on this personalized fishing adventure.

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